No problems for Quel Esprit

Mullins ace takes advantage of straight-forward task

Last Updated: January 7, 2012 1:18pm

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Paul Townend: Winner on Quel Esprit

Sky Bet

Quel Esprit showed his class with a facile victory in the Beamish Stout Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles on Saturday.

Ridden by Paul Townend, the Willie Mullins-trained grey (2-7 fav) was close to the pace throughout and moved into the lead before the fourth-last fence.

Mayo Mystique and Whodoyouthink tried to chase the leader but it was in vain, as Townend only had to push the eight-year-old out to win by a comfortable margin.

Whodoyouthink (7-2), ridden by Andrew McNamara, plugged on for the forecast spot.

Mullins said: "He jumped well enough and we'll up him in class now. He might come back here for the Kinloch Brae (January 19) or maybe I should kick him up a gear and go for the Hennessy."